Key to the species of Bryopsis
| 1 | Erect axes branched from all sides (polystichously, radially), appearing somewhat tufted; branchlets successively shorter toward apex, or without pattern and unsymmetrical | B. hypnoides |
| 1 | Erect axes branched mostly from one or two (opposite) sides (distichously, pinnately), branchlets shorter toward apices, giving plumose, feathery appearance to axes | B. pennata |